Celebrate All Things French at Bastille Day Block Party

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If you’re into all things French, head out to the L’Enfant Café (2200 18th St NW) this Saturday for their high-energy Bastille Day Block Party.

Sure, you'll find block party staples like music and a beer garden, but L'Enfant will also throw acrobats, can-can dancers and a French maid’s race into the mix.

Guests can enjoy drinks at five street bars and nosh from food trucks such as D.C. Slices, Rito Loco and Pleasant Pops.

A French maid relay race will start at 6 p.m. L’Enfant will provide the necessary black-and-white dresses for its 40 competitors. Racers will have to fill a champagne glass with soupspoons of water by running back and forth across the street.

“It’s got all of the fun and excitement of the Grand Prix, and none of the elegance,” said L’Enfant Café owner Jim Ball.

A masquerade street ball and a chance to win two round-trip tickets to Paris round out the day. The celebration runs from 3 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $6.

Schedule of events:

3 p.m.: Bastille Day Block Party opens

5 p.m.: Arrival of King Louis XIV

5:05 p.m.: Can-can dance performance on Stella Artois main stage

6 p.m.: French Maid Race on Vernon Street

6:30-8:30 p.m.: Burlesque performances

8:45 p.m.: Can-can dance performance on Stella Artois main stage

8:50 p.m.: Drawing for two round-trip economy class tickets from U.S. Airways